Top 10 Ways to Succeed in Your Weight Loss Resolution

Besides quitting smoking, losing weight is a top New Year’s resolution. But typically, about 70 percent of the well-intentioned dieters have given up within the first 90 days.

Your efforts don’t have to fail, however.

Here are 10 tips that can help you make 2011 the year you stay on track and reach your weight goals.

10. Take vitamins

In a perfect world, we’d get all the nutrition, vitamins and minerals from our three perfectly balanced daily meals. Few of us do this. Even if you think you’re eating right, modern food processing can deplete whatever nutrients were originally in the food. That’s why vitamins are so important, especially for those who are trying to reach their weight goals.

9. Be patient with yourself

It’s easy to slip up every now and then. We all do. The trick is to not beat yourself up and commit to doing better at your next meal. Don’t use one slip as an excuse to binge the rest of the day (or week).

8. Chew sugarless gum

While some may think it’s an unattractive habit, studies now suggest chewing sugarless gum burns more calories, plus it keeps your mouth occupied and focused on something other than eating. If your dental work prevents you from chewing gum, try an alternative like sugarless hard candy or sugarless mints.

7. Brush your teeth

It’s an old trick, but one that works for a lot of people. When your mouth is fresh and clean you reconsider eating something immediately afterwards.

6. Stay busy

Many of us eat out of boredom or habit not because we’re hungry. Find something to do during those periods to keep your mind off of food like tackling a cleaning job or phoning a friend. Consider finding a hobby like needlepoint or knitting, that keeps you occupied while watching television, when many people snack.

5. Put the scale away

After two or three days, you’ll be tempted to step on the scale, but give yourself two weeks before you weigh in.

If exercise feels like work you’re not going to stick with it. Find something fun for you whether it’s dancing, bowling, walking with a friend, or joining a volleyball team. Focus on consistency.

2. Add, don’t subtract

Most weight goals involve cutting back, leaving you feeling deprived. Instead, add foods to your diet, especially fiber. Eat as many fruits and vegetables you can with each meal. And be sure to eat enough protein from sources like lean meats and legumes. Try taking a natural fiber supplement, like psyllium or oat bran 30 minutes before heating. Not only will you feel fuller and more satisfied, you’ll also start a natural colon cleanse.

1. Set reasonable and concrete goals

Keep your goals reasonable, realistic, and reachable. Don’t try to lose 10 pounds in the first week. Focus on behaviors and not results. If you drink two sodas a day, cut back to a soda a day, then a soda every other day. Instead of trying a back-breaking regimen of sit-ups and crunches, try walking for an extra 15 minutes a day instead. Once you achieve one goal, set new ones for yourself.